Georgian President meets Swiss colleague in Bern
Georgian President meets Swiss colleague in Bern

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili met with Swiss President Guy Parmelin in Bern to discuss bilateral relations, Swiss policy on peace, economic ties and security in the Caucasus.

Guy Parmelin said, “Switzerland backs the establishment of institutions, sustainable development and professional training in Georgia.” Moreover, he asserted that Switzerland attaches great importance to improving the living conditions of the conflict-affected population and supports specific projects in this regard.

Asked by GPB First Channel how he sees the way to reduce and neutralize the threats amid aggravating situation in the Russia-occupied regions of Georgia, the Swiss President answered only mediation and discussion between the parties could gradually lead to the solution.

“Switzerland has a mandate and a role of mediator between Georgia and Russia. We promote dialogue at the highest level, but it requires both sides to agree. At the will of both countries, Switzerland is ready to use its great experience of establishing dialogue and contacts between different countries at the highest level,” the Swiss President underscored.

On her part, the Georgian President thanked her Swiss counterpart for Switzerland’s solidarity with Georgia. She framed it as “the solidarity between the two small countries, primarily reflected in Switzerland’s continued support for Georgia’s territorial integrity.”

President Zourabichvili reviewed military build-up in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region as well as the dire humanitarian situation there.

“I would like to express our gratitude for the role Switzerland has been playing since 2009 after the Georgia-Russia conflict and subsequent occupation of our regions. Switzerland is a mediator between us and Russia, playing this role in Moscow. The President’s role was also paramount in the release of Zaza Gakheladze, as he had the opportunity to talk to the Russian leadership at the highest level,” Zourabichvili stated.

Salome Zourabichvili arrived in Bern on October 13, and will conclude the trip on October 15.